Crockpot Calico Beans
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 2 cans (15 oz each) pork and beans
- 2 cans (15 oz each) dark kidney beans, drained
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion until beef is fully cooked and onion is tender. Drain excess fat.
- Meanwhile, in a separate skillet, fry bacon until crispy. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble or dice the bacon into small pieces.
- In a large crockpot, combine the pork and beans, dark kidney beans, and butter beans.
- Add the cooked ground beef and onion mixture to the crockpot, stirring to combine with the beans.
- Add the crumbled or diced bacon to the crockpot mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and brown sugar until well combined.
- Pour the ketchup and brown sugar mixture over the beans in the crockpot, stirring gently to evenly distribute.
- Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender.
- Serve hot alongside cornbread for a comforting and hearty dinner for six.
Enjoy your delicious crockpot Calico Beans with friends and family!
Here are a few tips to enhance your cooking experience:
- Seasoning: Consider adding some additional seasonings to enhance the flavor profile. You might want to try a teaspoon of chili powder, garlic powder, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce for some extra depth.
- Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables to the mix, diced bell peppers or jalapeños can be great choices. They can add some color and a bit of heat to the dish.
- Cornbread: Since you mentioned serving cornbread with the Calico Beans, you can make it extra special by adding ingredients like corn kernels, shredded cheese, or chopped jalapeños to the batter.
- Garnish: When serving, consider garnishing the dish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of freshness and color.
- Toppings: Set up a toppings station with options like shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions. This allows your guests to customize their bowls.
- Side Salad: If you want to add a refreshing side, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the rich flavors of the beans.
Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. Enjoy your dinner with family and friends!
FAQ about Crockpot Calico Beans
- What are Crockpot Calico Beans? Crockpot Calico Beans are a hearty and flavorful dish made with a variety of beans, usually including kidney beans, pinto beans, and baked beans, cooked in a savory sauce with ground beef or bacon. It’s a popular slow-cooker recipe known for its rich taste and versatility.
- What beans are typically used in Crockpot Calico Beans? The beans commonly used include kidney beans, pinto beans, and baked beans. However, you can also customize the recipe by adding other types of beans such as black beans, navy beans, or cannellini beans, depending on your preference.
- What ingredients are needed to make Crockpot Calico Beans? The ingredients typically include a variety of beans, ground beef or bacon, onion, bell pepper, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, and various seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Some recipes also call for Worcestershire sauce or molasses to enhance the flavor.
- Can I make Crockpot Calico Beans vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make vegetarian or vegan versions of Crockpot Calico Beans by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth or water instead. You can also add meat alternatives like vegetarian sausage or crumbled tofu for added texture and protein.
- How long does it take to cook Crockpot Calico Beans? Crockpot Calico Beans are typically cooked on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender.
- Can I freeze Crockpot Calico Beans? Yes, Crockpot Calico Beans freeze well. Once cooled, you can transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
- What are some serving suggestions for Crockpot Calico Beans? Crockpot Calico Beans can be served as a main dish accompanied by cornbread, rice, or mashed potatoes. They also make a delicious side dish for barbecue parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Garnish with chopped green onions or shredded cheese for added flavor.
- Can I adjust the seasonings in Crockpot Calico Beans to suit my taste? Yes, you can easily adjust the seasonings in Crockpot Calico Beans to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, or spices according to your liking. Taste the dish as it cooks and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
- Are there any variations of Crockpot Calico Beans I can try? Yes, there are many variations of Crockpot Calico Beans you can try. Some recipes incorporate additional ingredients like diced tomatoes, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of meat or meat substitutes to create unique variations of this classic dish
